Folklore: An ancient remedy used to treat ulcers, burns, wounds, abdominal pains and bacterial disease, Hypericum perforatum has recently gained attention for the treatment of depression in clinical trials. The generic name Hypericum is derived from Greek and translates to “to overcome an apparition” (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 826).

While not a weed in its native Europe, Asia and North Africa, the plant has become a weed in most temperate regions of the world (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 826).

Bath for rheumatic pain: Infuse 100g in hot water for 1 hour before adding to the bath.

Cautions & Contradictions:

The Natural Standard state there is a theoretical rick of thiamine deficiency, hypokalemia and nicotine toxicity and therefore should be avoided in individuals with chronic alcoholism, renal insufficiency and cardiac arrhythmias (2014).

Marrubium vulgare has being used as an expectorant since Ancient Eqypt. According to sources, Egyptian priests referred to the plant as “Seed of Horus”, “Bull’s Blood” or “Eye of the Bull”. In Ancient Greece the herb was used to treat dog bites which may be from where the common name “Horehound” is derived (Natural Standard, 2013).

Alklamides: Mostly isobutylamides which are responcible for tingling in the mouth
Caffeic acid esters:

Echinacoside (E. angustifolia)

Chicoric acid (E. purpurea

Cynarin (E. angustifolia)

Essential oil

ARIEAL PARTS

Alklamides

Caffeic acid esters

Echinacoside (NOT present in E. purpurea)

Chicoric acid (E. purpurea)

Verbascoside (E. angustifolia)

Caftaric acid (E. purpurea)

Chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids (E. angustifolia)

Falvenoids

(Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 526)

Actions

Immuneomodulatory

Anti-inflammatory

Vulnerary

Lymphatic adaptogen

(Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 525).

History/Traditional Use

The origins of Echinacea used as a medicinal herb was from Native North Americans and then adopted by the Eclectics (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 524). The Native Americans and Eclectics only used and aquousethanolic extract of Echinacea angustifolia root high in alkylamides (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 524). After oral ingestion the alkylamides impart a persistant tingling sensation in the mouth subsequently stimulating the flow of saliva (Bone & Mills, 2003, p. 524).

E. purpurea is the most cultivated and widely used. This speicies is easier to grow and is the most popular form in Germnay, with the whole plant used medicinally (Bone & Mills, 2003, p. 524). Different variations exhibit variations in their phytochemical content yet are typically discussed under the genetic “echinacea” name as if their actions were consistent (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 524).

Both Echinacea angustifolia and E. purpurea are the two most used species in the western world (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 524).

Traditional use includes:

Bacterial, viral and protozoal infections

Infections of the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts

Mild septicaemia

States of weakened, suppressed or imbalanced immunity (including allergies and autoimmunity)